Pages

December 5, 2018

Sunwayfoto Custom L Bracket for Canon EOS R - Preview

The introduction of the Canon EOS R top Full Frame mirrorless model, followed by the Canon EOS RP more or less and entry level FF model, made quite a stir in the market with many controversial statement about these models. Finally, besides all counter expectations Canon has managed to acquire quite a good market share in a short while.
Therefore, their popularity urged for a Custom L Bracket, especially for the EOS R.

However, these new cameras when it comes to the L Bracket design point of view, share the same difficulties as the Canon EOS 80D and EOS 6D Mk II due to need of a design that would allow access for the side connector ports, as well as an articulated LCD screen, making the L Bracket manufacturers life a little more difficult.

Sunwayfoto with Custom L Bracket for Canon 6D Mk II made an attempt to clear the access to the side ports and allow for full articulation of the screen by moving the vertical side plate of the L bracket quite forward.

Somehow, although the goal was attained, I was a little skeptical with the success of this L bracket since it was interfering with the lens access by the left hand. And unfortunately, I was proven right, although that was a modular design and the user could remove the side plate.

Sunwayfoto engineers when designing the PCL-R in question here, had to choose between full versatility and function. Since this is of an one piece design, they maintained the classic approach making lens manipulation with left hand easier, while allowing access to all side ports but not full tilting of the LCD screen when extended.
Nevertheless, it allows for the articulated LCD screen to be extended out, or be turned forward for vloggers but has to be done before fully extended out.

So before getting any further, someone has to decide who's an L Bracket for?
Is the need of using the camera in portrait orientation more important or the extension and tilting of the LCD screen in any angle?
Do vloggers really need an L Bracket?

The PCL-R L Bracket

Manufacturer Specification:

Model:

PCL-R

Length:

105 mm

Width:

39 mm

Height:

80 mm

Dovetail Width:

39 mm

Mounting screw thread:

1/4"-20 UNC

Mounting Tapped Hole:

1/4"-20 UNC

Weight:

120 gr

Standard characteristics shared among the Sunwayfoto plates and L brackets are met by the PCL-R too. It is precision CNC machining from aircraft-grade aluminium followed by high quality hard coat surface anodizing.
The PCL-R L bracket is made of one piece aluminum block maintaining utmost rigidity. The large bottom plate has a raised lip at the front covering almost all the camera base, plus a set screw as we shall see later, which prevent the bracket from twisting.
The usual extra 1/4"-20 tapped hole and a strap loop are also present.
The vertical plate is shaped appropriately to allow for remote release cable and easy opening of the side connector ports.

As illustrated clearly below, the side plate is placed exactly in line with the base plate in order to allow for changes in camera orientation without need for other corrections even focusing.
Two M3 safety screws are found on either end of both the base and the vertical Arca style dovetail plates. The captive mounting screw is new and larger featuring a D-Ring as well as a slot for easier tightening described in detail in Sunwayfoto QRS-01 Hinged D-Ring 1/4"-20 Screw.
More stability and anti-twisting is provided by a set screw with a pin that corresponds to a specific alignment hole at the camera base.

Another feature is that both the mounting screw and the set screw slide within their own captive slots, that permits movement of the L bracket away from the camera side enough in order to accept cables with larger plugs in portrait orientation.
The extra 1/4"-20 tapped hole and the strap mounting hole at one side facilitate for direct mounting on pods and for the attachment of a wrist strap, respectively.

Mounting the Bracket on the Camera

The PCL-R fits tightly on the EOS R as is very explicitly illustrated below, fulfilling one of its primary tasks to protect the camera body and of course...

... to allow for the camera be mounted in landscape or portrait orientation without changing the perspective. As forementioned the L bracket can be slid adequately away from the camera side so as larger and/or longer plugs may be connected while in portrait orientation.

The side connector ports and their respective doors are fully accessible. Same goes for USB or other large plugs that have another 2 cm of clearance, when moving the vertical side away from the camera side.

The PCL-R package, besides the L bracket it also contains all necessary screws and tools. In this case 4 x M3 safety stop screws for the base and side plates, 1 x 1/4"-20 captive set screw, 1 x Sunwayfoto QRS-01 Hinged D-Ring 1/4"-20 camera mounting screw and 1 x Allen wrench 2.5mm for the M3 screws.
Also included is a velvet protective bag with draw-string closure.

By the end of 2017 the geometry of all Sunwayfoto Arca style dovetails has changed becoming more compatible. Therefore, the PCL-R by following the latest Sunwayfoto standards is compatible with almost all Arca style clamps including RRS lever release clamps.

Price & Availability:
Current retail price for the PCL-R L Bracket is quite competitive at US$ 59.95 (+Shipping where applicable) and is available either from Amazon or from eBay

If you are interested in the above product(s) or any other product please consider using the relevant link(s) to make your purchase and help support this site. Your support is needed and greatly appreciated.